WWE's Jesse Ventura Questions Trump Assassination Attempt And Claims It May Have Been Staged

Jesse Ventura, who is known both as a former WWE star and a past governor of Minnesota, has raised doubts about a key detail surrounding the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. During an interview with Piers Morgan, he suggested that the incident may not have been genuine.

Ventura has a long history of discussing conspiracy theories and even hosted a television series called Conspiracy Theory with Jesse Ventura. Even so, his comments during this interview still surprised Morgan, especially when he referred to the near-fatal incident involving the former president as a 'blade job'.

In professional wrestling, a 'blade job' is when a performer intentionally cuts themselves, usually with a small blade, to create the appearance of real injury. This technique is used to make matches look more intense and believable for the audience.

While this term is usually limited to wrestling entertainment, Ventura suggested that the same idea could apply to the shooting that took place at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, in July 2024.

Trump was left bleeding after the shooting Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

During the rally, Trump was addressing a crowd when a bullet struck him. It grazed his ear as he turned his head to look at a chart displayed nearby on the stage. The moment caused immediate chaos, with Secret Service agents rushing in and Trump quickly moving down behind the lectern for safety.

He later appeared in Wisconsin wearing a bandage on his ear, which drew further attention to the incident.

During his appearance on Piers Morgan Uncensored, Morgan pointed out how Trump stood back up after the attack and appeared defiant. Ventura did not seem convinced and responded with: "Oh yeah right, right, right, you ever heard of a blade job?"

When Morgan pressed him further and asked directly if he believed the assassination attempt was staged, Ventura continued with: "I don't know, where's his scar today?"

Ventura’s comments reflect similar conspiracy theories that began circulating online shortly after the incident. Some users claimed the event was staged and suggested Trump used a 'blood pill' to make it appear as though he had been injured.

In response, Morgan reminded Ventura that a former volunteer fire chief who was present at the rally lost his life during the shooting. Ventura replied: "I don't know, come on Piers, you're going to tell me this guy's a big hero now?"

Morgan pointed out someone had actually died in the assassination attempt Piers Morgan Uncensored

When Morgan stated that he believed Trump showed courage during the incident, Ventura responded sharply, saying: "Then he accomplished what he wanted out of you guys."

Morgan then asked Ventura what he would say if he had the opportunity to speak directly with Trump. Ventura said he would rather avoid that conversation and added: "He has no courage. He never has. There's always one guy who will start the fight, and then hold your coat. That's Donald Trump."

Fact check: Donald Trump assassination attempt theories

After the attempted assassination in Pennsylvania, a number of false claims, conspiracy theories, and edited images began spreading across social media platforms.

One widely shared claim involved an altered photo posted on Threads. The edited version made it appear as though Secret Service agents were smiling during the incident. The caption alongside the image read: "Why are the secret service smiling? STAGED."

This same edited image was also shared on other platforms, including X, gaining attention from users who questioned the authenticity of the situation.

A ton of false rhetoric about the attempted assassination of Trump was spread online after it happened, including that he'd used a 'blood capsule' REBECCA DROKE/AFP via Getty Images

However, the image was later confirmed to have been edited. Multiple reputable outlets, including the BBC and Reuters, showed that the original photo, taken by Associated Press photographer Evan Vucci, does not show the agents smiling.

At the same time, Snopes addressed another viral claim involving quotes attributed to a supposed retired police detective. The claim suggested Trump had used a 'blood capsule' to create the appearance of injury, but there is no evidence supporting this theory.

Trump has previously described the moment he was shot, explaining that the bullet struck the upper part of his ear. He said he immediately realized something was wrong after hearing a whizzing sound, followed by feeling the bullet move through his skin.